Ch#12

Episode 12

"...I'm considering it. For now, neither the missing bride nor the person who took her has appeared......"

Isabel said with a sigh-like tone.

"But now, people in society are already thinking Grand Duke Ludwig's marriage has completely collapsed."

"......"

The bride was abducted without even entering the wedding hall, and three days had passed.

Even if the bride returned now, no one could guarantee her honor.

The Emperor also thought that Ludwig's marriage was essentially over.

Moreover, he had already witnessed something.

'It seemed like Ludwig was treating the bride roughly.'

It was true that he was considering his nephew as an alternative to his son, who might go mad at any moment.

But if he had known beforehand about an incident like last time, he wasn't sure if he would have pushed for the marriage.

However, his thoughts couldn't deepen further.

Because there was a disruptor beside him.

The Empress spoke.

"I'm truly worried, Your Majesty. About Arpad."

"......"

"Could it be that he's completely consumed by the Madness? Otherwise, committing such an outrageous act makes no sense."

That was also what the Emperor feared most.

The Empress naturally lifted her teacup.

Just that caused the long, full sleeve to be pushed back, revealing her bare arm.

A large, distinct scar remained there.

The Emperor knew well how that had come about.

'It's the trace of an injury from 'that time'. When Arpad first showed signs of the Madness...'

His heart grew heavy.

The result of a rampage caused by a child barely ten years old had been that severe.

Because of that day's incident, the Empress couldn't properly lift her right arm.

Having been the Crown Prince's wet nurse and originally a handmaiden of the late Empress, Isabel and Arpad had been close.

But after that accident, he couldn't blame the Empress for the distance that grew between them.

Because it was a symbol of the debt the Emperor owed the Empress.

The Emperor knew the intent behind the Empress deliberately lifting her uncomfortable arm to show the scar.

It was to remind him of Arpad's Madness.

'It's natural that the Empress, who directly experienced that Madness, cannot trust Arpad...'

Just as he himself did.

The Empress proceeded to press the Emperor's most vulnerable spot.

"As expected, the Crown Prince has inherited the late Empress's madness entirely..."

"Watch your words!"

*Bang!*

The Emperor struck the armrest in rage.

The Empress bowed her head as if humbled.

But her purpose was already achieved.

The Emperor had already been reminded of a woman. The only woman he loved in his lifetime, the mother of his son.

His former wife, who left a large scar on his face and died from Madness.

The Emperor closed his eyes as if in pain.

'Arpad resembles her too much.'

This was the reason he couldn't trust his only son.

* * *

When Empress Isabel exited the Emperor's reception room.

Two people were waiting.

Grand Duke Ludwig, who had been shouting for all to hear.

And Evangeline, guarding his side as if she were his wife.

Evangeline approached the Empress with a flushed expression.

"Mother. What did His Majesty say?"

Evangeline was the daughter the Empress had borne before marrying the Emperor.

Thus, she grew up receiving treatment almost on par with royalty in the Imperial Palace.

Nevertheless, she could not become a full member of the imperial family.

The Empress shook her head.

"There was nothing special. Since neither Arpad nor the bride has appeared yet, it seems he cannot decide on any punishment."

Ludwig let out a groan-like sound.

"How can that be? The crime is clear regardless of whether the parties are present or not! As expected, His Majesty is siding with his own son...!"

"Silence."

The Empress coldly shut Ludwig's mouth.

"Only His Majesty can control Arpad. Refrain from words that might incur the Emperor's wrath."

"...Yes, Your Majesty the Empress."

He gritted his teeth in frustration.

Evangeline's muttering could be heard from beside him.

"...Why on earth did Arpad brother have to take that woman of all people..."

Empress Isabel looked at her anxious daughter with a reproachful gaze.

But she couldn't speak openly with Ludwig present, so she diverted attention.

"What's more important now is public opinion and rumors. His Majesty will also be influenced by this."

For the past three days, the Empress had tried with all her might to foster negative public opinion about Arpad.

'This incident is merely a mishap caused by the Madness.'

'Therefore, Grand Duke Ludwig and Duchess Delphine's marriage should properly take place.'

And so on.

Ludwig's eyes gleamed like a beast's.

'I absolutely won't let you take her away so easily, Arpad!'

He was deliberately ignoring the fact that she had already been taken.

* * *

Only after hastily completing the wedding ceremony could I escape my crumpled-tissue-paper state.

Looking in the mirror, I was truly in a terrible state.

'To kiss me looking like this. The Crown Prince is impressive.'

The priest who presided over the wedding was impressive too.

'Come to think of it, this is the first time I've had a wedding ceremony in this state.'

Because until now, my wedding ceremonies had been grand, splendid, and magnificent on the surface.

A simple wedding with only the bride, groom, and priest.

But my heart was more at ease and my mood better than ever before.

'It's fine. I've finally taken the first step away from that bastard!'

Moreover, the joy of finally being able to wash properly and change clothes after three days was immense.

As I soaked in the hot water, it felt like I was melting away.

Once the paperwork marriage was settled, worries bubbled up like soap bubbles.

'Ah, I hope Sir Beltane is alright.'

Since being abducted for marriage came first, I couldn't look after Beltane.

It would be absurd for a bride being abducted to take her knight along.

'And he was even injured...'

Furthermore, he must be incredibly worried about me.

Because he thinks I was truly abducted by Arpad.

Considering his inflexible nature, he might even try to take responsibility and commit suicide.

'Surely not, right?'

I thought I needed to do something about this as soon as possible.

In addition, worries about Annie too.

'Annie must also think I was truly abducted for marriage.'

She'll be incredibly worried.

But not knowing the truth was better for their own safety, so I couldn't tell them in advance.

I didn't have time either.

'At least Sir Beltane escorted me to the Catacombs, and Annie also saw me scheming something, so I can only hope they'll catch on to some extent.'

That's the limit for now.

Now that the stamp is on the document, I just need to return to the capital as soon as possible and handle the aftermath.

While my mind was busy with worries about the two and future concerns.

The maids diligently scrubbed me clean, dried me off, changed my clothes, and brought me to the bedroom.

"May you have a blissful night."

"Pleasant dreams."

Somehow, the words seemed meaningful.

When I came to my senses, I had been delivered alone to a bedroom decorated with red silk.

The room had, very meaningfully, only one large bed placed prominently in the center.

It was almost the size of a small room, so it seemed like I could roll around ten times and not fall off.

Red curtains surrounded the bed in a square, so the inside wasn't clearly visible, but I could roughly guess the size.

The incense candles burning subtly on all sides and emitting fragrance, and the roses in the vase on the side table over there...

'The overall atmosphere is very suggestive.'

To the point where my face flushed without me realizing it.

If this marriage had been just an ordinary political marriage, I would have entered the bedroom with great resolve.

'But it's not, is it?'

My (this life's) first meeting with the groom was in a gloomy underground cemetery.

Before exchanging whispers, we first exchanged my threats and Arpad's blade.

It wasn't a romantic relationship at all.

Closer to an alliance for survival.

'But the villa's maids wouldn't know that... can't be helped.'

Anyway, after three days of forced march, my fatigue had peaked.

Forgetting all embarrassment, I roughly pulled back the bed curtain.

"Fluffy sheets! Pillows!"

That was the only thing that mattered... or so I thought?

I froze completely upon seeing the inside of the bed.

"What on earth is this?"

That's because the pure white bedsheet was covered with an excessive amount of overly romantic rose petals!

And as if answering my question, an ominous sound came from behind.

*Creak—*

The sound of the bedroom door opening.

Followed by a wave of hot steam.

A statement so absurd it gave me chills was heard.

"As expected, my bride is very proactive. Couldn't even endure the short time I was coming..."

"What are you saying right now?!"

I turned around sharply and immediately turned my head back.

In front of the open door stood Crown Prince Arpad, for some reason damp, wearing only a red robe in a half-naked state.

He began walking towards me, towards the bed.

Why are you doing a model walk wearing only a robe?

And towards me?

"Why, why, why are you here?"

To my stupid question, Arpad answered with beautifully curved eyes.

"Tonight is our wedding night, isn't it? My bride."

Translator: Nox